One advantage of being a bit older doing the treatment this time is that it is flying by, along with the rest of time. A bit soon to be saying that kind of thing. But later this evening I will inject the interferon for the third time.
It's been a good week. I'd say that although I am more tired that the week before, apart from that I feel better this week: less feverish, less blue, I can concentrate better and the rash on my hands is improving.
On Monday I told the team at work about the treatment. I asked the boss to get the team together, as I want them to understand what I'm doing, especially for the days when I don't feel so hot. I told them that I was doing treatment for Hep C, a bit about the drugs, the side effects and what it entails. The Care Manager, who used to be a nurse, had some questions, which I felt was useful by immediately turning it into something that could be discussed. She asked whether it might cover my having another virus. I wonder whether she asked that because her husband is recovering from surgery, and she's concerned about catching a virus from me and taking infecting him? I told her I'd fight off any other viruses better that usual, as that's my understanding.
I thought it was best just to be straightforward about having Hep C. If I act unembarrassed about having it, I think that reduces stigma, whereas if I act ashamed, other people who know less about it than me and who have probably never thought about it before will pick up on my signals and think that the appropriate way to view Hep C is as something to be ashamed of. So, i've also been straightforward in telling the drama group the reason I've stopped going.
Last time I did the treatment I was less open. Some people found out I was doing a medical treatment, but not what for, and they were very worried about me: I assume they thought I had cancer of some kind - I wanted to avoid worrying people unnecessarily too.
Fridays are non-working days in my part-time week, and it's at the end of my treatment week too with the least effects of interferon, so I try to work out quite hard. I did my whole usual work out, cardio and weights. I'm thinking of using my 2 kilometer rowing time as benchmark for how much energy I've got. Today it took me 10 minutes dead, which is about 10 seconds faster than last week and 20 seconds slower than my pre-treatment time. This week the whole work out felt harder though. By doing the same, I'm working harder.
I saw my GP this morning. It was a bit of a non-event as most of the side effects that I've been getting from the citalopram and the treatment have lessened. Still, it was good to check in and let her know what's going on. And they have said they want to monitor my mental state, so I am co-operating.
Then, in the afternoon, it was my second round of blood tests. Again, absolutely no drama, and no wait to go in either. I kept with the newly started tradition of coffee and cake afterwards. Then yoga nidra, put the shopping away, and it's time to make dinner already.
I'm going to try having an isotonic sports drink with my injection this evening, as it's recommended by some people on the forum. It can't hurt.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Hope all is well with you.
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